One of the most asked questions a cancer patient hears after being diagnosed is “What can I do for you?” or “How can I help?” There is the usual, bring a meal, or take the kids to soccer, and of course pray. But friends cannot go through chemo for you, nor can they sit in the doctor’s office for you. Really, other than the practical stuff there isn’t much they can do. Until now.
The American Cancer Society is enrolling people in a study called the Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3). It is a nationwide long term study for people between the ages of 30-65 who have never had cancer. There is a long term commitment of 20-30 years, but before you baulk at that number let me tell you what is required. Sign up. Show up for a 20 minute appointment where they will give you a survey, take a small amount of blood, measure you, and have you sign a consent form. After that, they send you a survey once every two years. No more blood work. No more visits. Just answer the questions via email and you are done. The questions are about medications, family history, lifestyle and other behaviors. The goal of the survey is to better understand the genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that cause or prevent cancer. The greater goal is to save lives of your family members and friends. It is the answer to the question “What can I do to help?”
They are currently enrolling in Gainesville and scheduling appointments at NEGA medical center for April 23rd and 24th. If you are interested you can get more information at http://www.cps3gainesville.com or call 888-604-5888. If you live somewhere other than the Gainesville area you can still participate in your state by going to the American Cancer Society website and finding your region.